Search

This paper reveals the structural, magnetic and heating ability of citric acid coated Fe0.3Mn0.7GdxFe2−xO4 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1) nanocrystalline ferrites. The synthesis of Gd-doped Fe–Mn ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) is confirmed by XRD studies. Substitution of Gd3+ions in Fe–Mn ferrite causes the lattice constant enhancement from 8.3286 to 8.4699 Å. The cation distribution reveals that Gd3+ ions preferred the octahedral sites of Fe–Mn ferrite. The average crystallite size is around 10–12 nm. The Fe–Mn–Gd spinel ferrite NPs are also characterized by FTIR studies and supports its formation. The saturation magnetization increases with Gd-content, take its maximum value for x = 0.06 and drops further for higher x values. The change in saturation magnetization show a connection with the structural modifications; because of replacement of Gd3+ ions at the place of Fe3+ ions in the octahedral site (B-site), it modifies A and B sublattices superexchange interactions. The heating abilities of these nanoparticles are studied by applying different alternating magnetic fields at constant frequency 289 kHz. When referred to the Gd-content, the SAR exhibits similar variation as saturation magnetization (Ms) and anisotropy constant (K), the later being more dominant. The highest value of SAR is 640 W/g for Fe0.3Mn0.7Gd0.06Fe1.94O4 sample under an applied field 251.4 Oe. It is seen that SAR is increased by nearly six times as compared to pristine Fe0.3Mn0.7Fe2O4 nanoparticles. The present results suggest that magnetic field controlled therapeutic temperature can be easily achieved within 1 min using such nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our technology-intensive world, manufacturing is transforming rapidly and is now driven by personalized demand. To deal with the modern manufacturing challenges, one requires an inclusive approach and therefore, a new paradigm has evolved shifting the manufacturing closer to the customer. This paper highlights the need for inclusive manufacturing along with its important aspects of automation, workforce diversity, and environment-friendly manufacturing operations. Variables pertaining to an inclusive manufacturing system were identified from the literature and were shortlisted based on the opinion of domain specialists. The causal relations among the variables are modeled using Bayesian network. The overall focus of the study lies in evaluating the impact of identified variables affecting product quality through the lens of an inclusive manufacturing system. Cascading effect of variables and the sensitivity analysis further build this study to conclude important observations and managerial insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to ill-structured, dynamic environments and the presence of multiple decision-makers with conflicting viewpoints, comprehension, analysis and support of the supplier evaluation process becomes more and more difficult. Moreover, with the complexities of issues such as the role of leadership, the influence of group formation, and analysis of disagreements, it cannot be predictable that there will ever exist a solution to cope with all imprecise, multi-criteria/multi-actor situations. A fuzzy association rules-based approach may be suited for the judgement of human subjects. In this paper, we develop an approach based on Fuzzy Association Rule Mining to support the decision makers by enhancing the flexibility in making decisions for evaluating suppliers with both tangibles and intangibles attributes. Also, by checking the fuzzy classification rules, the goal of knowledge acquisition can be achieved in a framework in which assessments could be established without constraints, and consequently checked and compared in several details. The efficacy and intricacy of the proposed model for finding fuzzy association rules from the database for supplier assessment is demonstrated with the help of numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings based on an extensive survey of Indian automobile companies. Five companies have been selected for detailed case studies. Their experiences in the manufacturing strategy process are analysed. Although the companies represented a diversity in terms of sales volume, product range and geographic location, they shared several commonalties including use of advanced manufacturing technologies and other improvement activities. Competitive strength was sustained through quality, innovation and delivery. The process of strategy formulation varied among the companies in terms of participants, complexity and degree of formalization, the practice of each company is different. The process of manufacturing strategy formulation seems to be in line with corporate strategy, though the companies followed a traditional top down approach in formulation of manufacturing strategy under the umbrella of corporate strategy. A taxonomy is proposed using cluster analysis where the companies are classified in four strategic manufacturing groups: reactive enterprise, neutral enterprise, active enterprise and proactive enterprises. Competitive priorities, order winners and critical success factors are identified for these companies after rigorous discussions with the managers. Based on strategic manufacturing issues, the manufacturing competence index for the companies has been worked out. A framework for manufacturing strategy is also proposed based on experiences of the case companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS) (x = 0.3) nanocrystalline powder was synthesized by reacting to its constituent elements i.e. Copper, Indium, Gallium, and Selenium in a SPEX mill. The SPEX mill is a high-energy mill where the reaction between constituent elements takes place in solid-state to form a nanocrystalline compound powder. SPEX mill consists of tungsten lined hardened steel vials and tungsten carbide balls are used as grinding media. Three different size grinding media was used with ball to charge ratio of 10 : 1. The optimization of milling time was studied to obtain CIGS nanocrystalline powder using SPEX mill. The phase analysis by X-ray diffraction shows the formation chalcopyrite (tetragonal) structure of CIGS after 4 h of high-energy milling with an average crystallite size of 10-13 nm. Raman spectra peak at 174 cm-1 confirms the formation of the CIGS phase. The compositional analysis by EDAX confirms the formation of the stoichiometric composition of CIGS. This study reveals that it is possible to synthesize CIGS nanocrystalline powder using SPEX mill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault diagnosis of automobile systems is critical, as it adds-up to repair and maintenance time. It is, therefore, desired to make it efficient and effective. One of the conventional approaches is to use the fault tree diagram. But this approach is inadequate with its implicit system structure. Structure of the system means system elements and their interrelations. To alleviate this limitation, a new approach is suggested wherein the structure is in-built, i.e. incorporated explicitly, through digraph modeling that employs a systems approach of graph theory. A system digraph is developed, considering relationships among input and output parameters of subsystems/components of the automobile system in normal and failed conditions. Fault tree of a failure symptom that represents abnormality or a breakdown of the automobile system is obtained from the system digraph. The novelty is extension of the structural approach to automobile systems using digraph model, which has been successfully applied to chemical and process systems. Step-by-step methodology of the structural approach is presented. Its two main two steps are Steps 1 and 2, i.e. ‘Development of Fault tree diagram’ and ‘Diagnosis of fault using the tree diagram’, respectively. The suggested approach is illustrated for hydraulic power steering, an automobile system that is fitted on all current automobiles and particularly, in special purpose vehicles like heavy-duty trucks, earthmovers, dumpers, etc. The suggested approach guides how to diagnose root causes of a fault. The approach is not only helpful to maintenance personnel in effective diagnosis but also in guiding designers in development of reliable automobile systems, accident investigations of automobiles, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an ontological model of failure knowledge of automobile systems that will enhance the knowledge management of automobile system failures, which will help for design and maintenance of automobiles. Failure knowledge of automobile systems and components gained through maintenance and repair can mitigate future failures, if integrated in the design. This is an outcome of this paper.Design/methodology/approach A failure coding scheme is developed for assimilating various entities of automobile failure knowledge and an ontological model is developed for its systematic structuring and representation. The developed failure code is a combination of alphanumeric and numeric code that incorporates ingredients of the failure knowledge, which will help database management, with reduced data entry time and storage space.Findings The maintenance of automobiles not only brings back the systems into operating conditions but also convey a lot of information regarding the failures. This is a useful input to the designers in development of reliable and maintainable automobile systems. A knowledge base can be created for automobile systems/components failures from their maintenance and service experience.Research limitations/implications Developed ontological model of automobile failure knowledge gained through maintenance experience can be shared across automobile manufacturers and service providers. This would help in design improvements, with ease and efficient undertaking of maintenance activities. This paper proposes the conceptual ontology structure, which is populated with three cases of automobile maintenance.Originality/value This research work is a first attempt to develop an ontological model for automobile failures from their maintenance and service experience. The novelty of the work is in its explicit consideration of all knowledge related to failures and maintenance of automobile systems, with their coding and structuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of dietary supplementation of crushed flaxseed and soybean oil on ovarian function in postpartum Jersey crossbred cows was studied. Total 30 postpartum normally calved cows from 2nd to 4th lactation were randomly divided into three equal groups. Cows from group T1 and T2 were fed with dietary supplementation of crushed flaxseed @ 15% of DM requirement from day 25 to day 70 postpartum and with soybean oil @ 3% of DM requirement of animal from day 50 to day 70 postpartum in addition to routine feed respectively, whereas cows from Group T3 was considered as control, supplemented with routine feed. Follicular dynamic study with the help of USG was carried out at 24 hrs interval before the first injection of GnRH of Ovsynch protocol and during Ovsynch protocol (Day 0 to Day 9) of synchronization, which was implemented from day 60 postpartum in all the groups. It was observed that mean number of class I follicles was significantly increased in T2 group, whereas the mean number of class II and total number of follicles were significantly increased in T1 and T2 groups on day 0. During the synchronization period the mean number of class I, class II, total numbers of follicles and preovulatory follicles size were significantly larger in T1 and T2 groups. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of crushed flaxseed and soybean oil helps in increasing class I, class II, total number of follicles and size of preovulatory follicle in crossbred cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Integrating sustainability strategies with business processes is the most challenging task for industry professionals due to the lack of a proper understanding of sustainability concepts. At the same time, a lack of proper guidance restricts them from pursuing such activities. As far as the aspects of implementation are concerned, it is very tough to analyse and pick up key points to start with. The purpose of this paper is to utilize a text mining approach to analyse qualitative data and identify the critical issues for implementing sustainability in the manufacturing sector by focussing on turning processes based on the survey responses of researchers and industry professionals.Design/methodology/approach An integrated method employing principal component analysis (PCA) and the k-means clustering algorithm has been applied to extract useful information from a set of various suggestions provided by both the groups surveyed. The textual data has also been visualized using word clouds and, thus, it has been compared with the results of the text mining approach.Findings The results of the study indicate the importance of the role of government organizations and the need for a skilled workforce, which are crucial for enhancing aspects of sustainability in the manufacturing sector, as supported by both researchers and industry professionals. Besides this, researchers have highlighted the need to focus more on environmentally related issues, whereas industry professionals have raised performance-related issues.Practical implications The findings of the study present the important concerns of both the groups towards sustainability initiatives and, thus, will help to enhance the understanding of the underlying possibilities of negotiating jointly to enhance the performance of machining processes.Originality/value The novelty of this paper lies in its identification of important initiatives that are having a direct impact on the sustainable aspects of the machining process, based on the views of researchers and industry professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was planned to determine the embryonic developments in 12 Thoroughbred mares. The follicular growths were recorded in mares from day 8 postpartum till ovulation daily by using ultrasound machine with 7.5 MHz transrectal probe. All mares which were detected with largest follicle size and a characteristic uterine pattern of edema (cart-wheel like appearance) were mated with stallion every second day. Ultrasonography was carried out daily from day 14th post-mating till day 40 (ovulation = day 0) for detection of early of pregnancy and to monitor the conceptus. Embryonic vesicle was observed for the first time on day 14 in all mares with mean size of 10.25±0.59 mm. The fixation of vesicle, loss of spherical shape of vesicle, detection of embryo, detection of heart beats, detection of allantoic sac and start of fetal ascent were observed on 16.75±1.52, 20.66±1.86, 25.08±2.23, 28.16±2.45, 27.83±2.43 and 27.83±2.43 days post-mating, respectively. It was concluded that ultrasonic detection of early pregnancy and embryonic developments studies is an accurate tool and simple way for estimating the age of pregnancy in Thoroughbred mares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in Akola district of Maharashtra with 59 dairy farmers to their socioeconomic status and measure level of knowledge about dairy technology. Socio-economic status of dairy farmers was poor and most of the respondents were observed with average knowledge level regarding dairy technology and from the study it is clear that extension agencies have to be more active to enhance the knowledge level through target oriented extension training programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection of potential critical quality attributes for customer’s satisfaction with considerations of producer’s capacity necessitates logical prioritization of customer needs. A few major challenges remain unaddressed for customer need analysis, such as quantitative measure of customer satisfaction, decision support, and capacity assessment of the producers. This paper presents a customer preference analysis for customer need and satisfaction, following the basic principles of traditional Kano model. This customer preference analysis quantifies the customer need and customer satisfaction. It adopts the customer preference indices for measuring customer's satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The relative weight of the potential critical quality attributes are calculated based the customer preference indices. The management makes sure their capacity to provide this satisfactory preference to the customers. The overall customer preference analysis framework addresses the customer need analysis from a broader scenario, such that the customizable potential critical quality attributes can be better managed at the experimental design planning. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Total 50 normal cyclic cows were selected and equally divided into 5 different groups. Group I and II cows were treated with 2 ml injection of normal saline 11 days apart. Cows from group III, IV and V were treated with PGF2α injection 11 days apart. Cows from group IV and V were treated with hCG 1500 IU i/m at the time of AI and after 11 days of AI, respectively. Cows of group II, III, IV, V received pre-synchronization medicinal treatment (PSMT) comprising mineral mixture @ 50 g daily for 15 days orally, Ivermactin) @ 1 ml per 50 kg body weight s/c, Vitamin AD3E 5 ml i/ m and sodium acid phosphate 10 ml i/m 15 days prior to estrus synchronization treatment. Out of 30 cows in group III, IV and V, 25 (83.33 %) cows responded to first dose and all 30 (100 %) responded to 2nd dose of PGF2α. The average mean time required for onset of estrus (for pooled 30 PG treated cows) after 1st and 2nd PGF2α injection was 81.20 ± 4.66 and 74.40 ± 1.01 hrs, respectively, and the average mean length of estrus was 15.68 ± 0.77 and 17.33 ± 0.47 hrs, respectively. The conception rates in groups I, II, III, IV and V was 0, 20, 40, 50 and 40 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY This study aims at evaluating the customer expectations in a public sector passenger transport company, a crucial sector in developing countries like India. A questionnaire containing 18 quality characteristics was administered to various customers of three bus depots of one division of a state road transport undertaking in South India. Attribute-based perceptual mapping using discriminant analysis was done to position the three depots and to identify their strengths and weaknesses. The findings would help prioritize different parameters and also provide guidelines for managers to focus on and to improve. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the application of intelligent control systems in color fast finish (CFF) process as well as to use these approaches for optimizing processing conditions. A multi-objective optimization method based on genetic algorithm (GA) has been proposed for the design and control of color fast finish process. The processing parameters including temperature of the pre-dryer, bath liquor pickup, machine speed and padder pressure were used as design variables and were mathematically related to the five quality characteristics; shade variation to the standard, color fastness to washing, center to selvedge variation, color fastness to light and fabric residual shrinkage using response surface methodology (RSM) technique. Nonlinear mathematical functions were derived based on the processing parameters. Afterward, using a multi-objective optimization technique based on genetic algorithm, optimal conditions were found in such a way that, mean color fast finish process parameters were optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal progestogen sponges for oestrus synchronization in goats under field condition. Intravaginal progestogen sponges were inserted in 24 randomly selected non pregnant goats which were divided equally into two groups (Group- I and Group -II). In both the groups injection CIRG 1 ml was administered intramuscularly on day of sponge insertion. Injection equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 400 IU was administered intramuscularly on day nine (D=9) to the goats in Group-II only. While injection Cloprostenol sodium 263 μg/ml was administered intramuscularly and sponges were removed from all the experimental goats on day ten (D=10). The goats were observed for oestrus exhibition from 11th to 14th day and mated with fertile bucks. All the 24 sponges inserted were retained in the vaginal passage till removed. The time interval for onset of oestrus was significantly (P<0.05) shorter in Group-II (17.41 ± 1.31 vs 20.91 ± 0.27 hrs). Pregnancy rate in oestrus synchronized goats was 33.33 and 25.00 per cent, in Group- I and II respectively which did not differ significantly (P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - In the present scenario of e-globalization, small scale industries (SSIs) are considered engine for economic growth all over the world. After markets globalization, SSIs are facing many pressures and constraints to sustain their competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine various issues in context of Indian SSIs such as nature of pressures and constraints, competitive priorities, competencies development, areas of investment, and their relationship with performance. Design/methodology/approach - For collecting data, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. In total, 75 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of data acquired from survey is done by reliability test, t-test, and correlation analysis. Findings - Cost reduction, quality improvement, and delivery in time have emerged as major challenges for SSIs. Market research, welfare of employees, and research and development are found as major areas for investment. Use of information technology, training of employees, and research and development has significant relationship with performance. Research limitations/implications - Organizations should develop their strategies after analysing business environment and SSIs should utilize their resources judiciously. However, it is felt that this study can be further explored by considering other aspects of strategy development such as human resource, vendor development, organization culture, etc. Originality/value - Findings and issues of the paper will be highly useful for SSIs in framing their strategies, and academia for further research in the context of changing market scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's changed environment where the economy and industry are driven by customers, business is open to worldwide competition. Manufacturing firms have looked at employee performance improvement as a means to succeed. These findings advocate setting up priorities for employee performance improvement. This requires a continuous improvement training program. In this article, interpretive structural modeling is used to analyze interrelationships among performance appraisal factors to design and plan a training program for employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current strong competitive industrial context, enterprises must react quickly to the market changes. In order to face this problem, enterprises must be flexible and collaborate together. Both the flexibility and collaboration requires high communication between various information systems at one hand and on the other hand the compatibility of their practices. Collaboration is mainly applied for inter-organizational purposes and that collaboration is known as vertical collaboration. In this research, the impact of the horizontal collaboration in the flexible supply chains has been studied. The flexible supply chains (FSCs) and horizontal collaboration between them has been modeled by using ARENA 7.0, a simulation package. The novelty of the paper is that it proposes the new paradigm of horizontal collaboration with flexible supply chains (FSCs). Horizontal collaboration can be a key issue for other enterprises to select the new business opportunities by exercising the collaboration. The total cost of supply chain is taken as the performance measurement. In this study, the total cost of a supply chain includes the ordering cost, inventory cost, and back order cost of all the nodes of flexible supply chain. To show the impact of collaboration, a numeric example has also been solved where two FScs have been considered with different inventory policies (s, S and s, Q) and distributor node has been deemed for collaboration of those supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability of supply chains has caught attention of researchers worldwide in the wake of problems like global warming and climate change. A revisit to various strategies of supply chains is warranted to assess their impacts on environment and society. Flexibility in supply chains has enabled responsiveness of chains to achieve higher service level, faster delivery and customization of products but cost of achieving these flexibilities has not been generally accounted for and their implication on the environment has been overlooked mostly. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate flexibility of supply chains in the light of sustainability and to find whether flexibility incorporation adversely affects or collaborates with sustainability. A three dimensional composite index based on suitability, scalability and sustainability is proposed to evaluate various flexibility options in the supply chains. A typology of supply chains is also proposed based on flexibility and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to rapid advances in information and communication technologies, business organisations have focused their attention to increase the degree of coordination among multiple organisations and multiple functions within an organisation. This article reviews the literature base and development of supply chain management through various coordination mechanisms and contracts. It addresses the coordinated planning between two or more levels of the supply chain by reviewing various buyer-supplier coordination models under different scenarios. An attempt has also been made to identify the critical gaps in the literature with suggested directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain management has become a common tool for ensuring success of business organizations. Measurement of supply chain performance is required to understand how successfully supply chain management has been implemented in a firm. Various methods have been suggested for doing this. The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) presents a fairly comprehensive model for evaluating supply chains. However, even BSC has its shortcomings. This paper tries to suggest ways to overcome some of its shortcomings by considering the case of the petroleum supply chain. By elevating the BSC from organizational level to industry level it can been used for benchmarking one supply chain against another; something which is not possible with the way BSC is being used currently. This can substantially enhance the flexibility of using BSC for performance evaluation, The paper also suggests a way to combine dissimilar metrics so that a single number can be obtained which signifies the performance of the supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper defines cooperation as the process of coordinating the objectives and activities of supply chain (SC) members. It also focuses on cooperation as a solution for hybrid coordination mechanism to form the basis for semiconductor industry supply chain management. In the complex and competitive environment of semiconductor industry supply chain, independent system members are facing the difficult task of providing/sharing incentives resulting from e-market activities in a fair and equitable manner. So, various other activities are necessary for the e-market to make revenue sharing operations more stable and reliable. In this context, the importance of coalition in enhancing the e-market capability, for revenue generation and sharing, is used to develop a possible mechanism for financial compensation to the supply chain members. Interpreting the supply chain as cooperation, the concepts of the Shapely value are used in this paper for analysing the revenue sharing problem. The motivation behind such a scheme is to align the supply chain members' cost structure with the bidding value during auction and bargaining for e-procurement. The appropriateness of the Shapely value is verified to ensure that a stable solution exists. The practical implication of this paper is how to make right decisions about revenue sharing. The principal contribution of this approach is for establishing a pooling coalition in order to provide a stable and cooperative solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible system management has brought a concept of flexibility in all spheres of production, day to day life activities, people, culture etc. While extensive literature is available on flexibility in production management, no work is reported on flexibility in maintenance management. In this paper, a conceptual framework has been presented on this concept and few attributes discussed with an organizational case presented justifying this concept. Future researchers working in this area will find this gap interesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is aimed at providing a broad review of the main approaches to information related issues in a dynamic supply chain, through the description of the main characteristics, techniques, ongoing developments and research activities. The literature is examined from the perspective of the existing information systems that support supply chain dynamics at operational and strategic levels, with its inherent focus on web-enabled collaboration among supply chain partners. Various issues related to integration of core processes across organisational boundaries through improved communication, partnerships, alliances and cooperation in vague and uncertain conditions are also addressed. We review the recent trends in supply chain management and analyse how diverse modelling techniques such as agent technology and Petri net can be applied to support dynamic supply chain configuration. The purpose of this article is to consolidate the existing research efforts concerning the issues related to information systems in dynamic supply chains, and to identify promising emerging issues for further study in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- Globalization of markets and increasing expectations of customers have created a turbulent environment for Indian organizations. The purpose of this paper is to study the development of various competencies by small-, medium- and large-scale Indian organizations under various pressures and constraints. Design/methodology/approach -- For collecting data, a questionnaire-based survey were conducted. Out of 241 responding organizations, 193 were small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 48 were larger organizations. Statistical analysis of data acquired from the survey are done by reliability test, t-test and correlation analysis. Findings- Introduction of new technology and identification of market changes have emerged as most important competencies because they are significantly correlated with subjective performance, objective performance and overall competitiveness of organization. Levels of focus given on competencies development by large organizations differ significantly from SMEs. Research -- limitations/implications -- Findings of the study imply that SMEs should be as proactive as large organizations in making changes in terms of various processes such as development of competencies, human resources, upgrading of technology and awareness about market changes. For validating these results, further case studies are recommended. Originality/value -- This study will help organizations in shaping their competitive strategies for developing competencies as per the market needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the issue of information technology adoption and implementation in Indian manufacturing enterprises. It uses the methodology of case-based research for small and medium scale enterprise that enhance their capabilities of supply chain. It determines several managerial insights using an interpretative structural modeling. It mentions that technological innovations can help small to medium enterprises to enhance the benefits given by information and communication technologies.

Supply chain coordination (SCC) is an effective approach to improve supply chain (SC) performance. The coordination can be achieved when interdependent entities work together by sharing resources and information to achieve common objectives aligned to maximise customer value for the entire SC. There are a number of mechanisms by which the SC members can coordinate, e.g. contracts, information sharing, information technology and collaborative initiatives. To communicate frequently and effectively, the partners are required to have good information systems and capability to share information. To coordinate with each other the SC members are required to have capabilities to implement coordination mechanisms effectively. In this paper, a model is proposed to measure the effect of these mechanisms on the extent of coordination. Currently, there is no scale of measurement reported in the literature to measure the SCC. A fuzzy logic approach combined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is proposed to evaluate the extent of coordination. The proposed methodology is demonstrated through a case study of an automotive parts manufacturer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National environment plays a significant role in ensuring "international success" and "competitiveness" of an industry. Flexibility is a paradigm with a dynamic interaction capacity and is relevant in competitiveness analysis studies. This paper is an attempt to assess the shrimp industries of India and Thailand, with the help of the two theories of flexibility and competitiveness. The results provide evidence to the tenets of competitiveness held forth by Michael Porter - the scale of success of each of the industries is dependent on its respective national environments. A flexible national environment puts Thailand at an advantageous position than India in the global shrimp export market. The study also reveals an interesting trend through Compounded Annual Growth Rate calculated for a period. In this count, India displays a competitive position as compared to Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The objective of this paper is to propose a model for assessing the quality of service at various interfaces of supply chain using third party logistics. Design/methodology/approach - Based on a rich combination of extensive literature review and insights gained through exploratory interviews, gap analysis methodology is used in developing the model. This was followed by an in-depth analysis of gaps at various interfaces in supply chain. Further, both qualitative and quantitative techniques are suggested for data collection and analysis. Findings - The key gaps in both the directions (forward and reverse) that are likely to affect the service quality at different levels are extensively defined. These gaps may exist between a 3PL service provider and the manufacturer, the marketing function and the 3PL service provider, etc. The paper also proposes frameworks such as data envelopment analysis for measurement of these gaps. A set of possible performance indicators is also proposed at various interfaces in supply chain. Practical implications - This proposed model is an attempt to explore the relatively less explored area. It is expected that this research will further motivate researchers to work in this area. This supply chain service quality tool will be beneficial to practising managers in identification of opportunities for improvements in service quality. Originality/value - This paper explores some critical issues in the less explored area and offers practical help to researchers and practitioners in providing a direction for supply chain service quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to derive supplier service quality dimensions in the context of supply chain. Initial service quality dimensions were derived from an extensive literature review on the subject followed by refining through a series of procedures needed for scale development. Data was collected from 117 working executives of manufacturing organisations in India. The respondents were asked to assess supplier service quality in supply chain based on the perception and expectation scales. Further, data was summarised for respondents stating a high level of external service quality. Factor analysis resulted in a seven-factor structure as representative of supplier service quality in supply chain. The SSQSC tool will be beneficial to practising managers in identification of opportunities for improvements in supplier service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a model of manufacturing which attempts to enhance the flexibility in a supply chain. This model employs a staggered volume multiple assembly lines to fulfill the objectives of customization along with timely delivery. The measures of performance taken are the unit cost of production and the number of customers satisfied. In today's highly dynamic global economy, a supply chain may only survive by keeping its customer base growing or intact. The manufacturer is a crucial part of supply chain and hence the flexibility of the manufacturer has a major bearing on the overall supply chain agility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an attempt is made to study nature of pressures and constraints under emerging dynamic market condition and need for flexibility in developing strategies by Indian small and medium enterprise (SMEs) in the electronics sector for improving their performance at the national and international level. Such strategies may be needed for making new investments, development of competencies, reduction of product cost and improvement of quality. For the collection of data, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. About 44 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of data acquired from survey is done by reliability test, t test and correlation analysis. It is observed that government support, customer support and poor financial condition are the major constraints whereas quality, cost and delivery time are main pressures for SMEs in the electronics sector. Although SMEs are flexible in developing their strategies but in view of the pressure and constraint findings, it is felt that they should develop their strategies carefully for utilizing their limited resources and improving flexibility in value chain to get supports from customers and suppliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of TQM, it is essential that the organizations identify a few key critical success factors, which should be given special attention for ensuring successful implementation of TQM program. The concept of critical success factors (CSFs) and their use in supporting planning efforts was originated from the approach associated with the development and implementation of management information systems. This paper represents a review of the literature on CSFs and supported by various philosophies of TQM. Such factors are considered as conducive to the success of TQM implementation. Based on an exploratory study of Indian organizations engaged in manufacturing and services, CSFs have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous improvement is an imperative for being competitive. The studies show that total quality management (TQM) is an effective tool for continuous improvement. The literature on quality management shows that there is need of a model which can compare the industries on the basis of components of TQM. This paper describes the multi-attribute decision model using the analytic hierarchy process for the assessment of the quality status of industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]